The C.O.P.Clarifier Optimization Package

1. Basin configuration

2. Center column

3. Energy Dissipating inlet (EDI)

4. Flocculating feedwell (FFW)

5. Effluent weir baffling

6. Customized spiral rake blades

7. Sludge withdrawal

8. Scum removal

9. Effluent launder covers

1. Basin Configuration

The side water depth (SWD) and the floor slope are important elements affecting the performance of the clarifier. Deeper clarifiers process higher loadings, and for a new basin, the COP™ can produce the most economical design. Existing shallow clarifiers can be improved to produce an equivalent high quality effluent, but at a lower overflow rate. The COP™ floor slope is designed to provide sludge consolidation within the conical area and eliminate rat-holing. This design typically achieves a higher sludge concentration without high sludge blankets.

2. Center Column

Studies have demonstrated that excessive velocities in the center column and its outlets can cause floc degradation. The center column size and outlets are designed to control floc shear and provide a limited energy input into the energy dissipating inlet (EDI). It is the first step of the critical staged reduction of energy into the clarifier.

3. Energy Dissipating Inlet (EDI) 

The EDI is an integral part of the optimum introduction of influent into the clarification zone. In conjunction with the flocculating feedwell (FFW), the EDI receives the jetting flow from the center column outlets, stills the currents, and re-orients the flow through outlets that discharge the flow horizontally and tangentially at a reduced, but directed, energy level into the upper zone of the FFW. The EDI eliminates the need to use deep flocculating feedwells by controlling the jetting discharge from the center column outlets, which can cause sludge blanket upsets and limit floc growth in the FFW. 

4. Flocculating Feedwell Design

Historically, feedwell sizing has lacked a true rationale. Too small, the feedwell produces high energy currents; too deep, it causes scour of the sludge blanket; and too big, it reduces the clarification volume. In the WesTech COP, the design has a minimum effective FFW depth to provide the largest possible horizontal outlet area, thereby reducing sludge blanket scour caused by excessive velocities in the FFW. A shallow but effective flocculating feedwell, like the one installed at this Memphis site, is important to the overall velocity controlled design of WesTech's COP.

5. Effluent Weir Baffling

The value of the wall baffle, called the McKinney-Lincoln or Stamford baffle, is well documented. Side by side tests at Stamford, CT, demonstrated that the baffle increased the peaking capacity of the clarifier by 35-40%. The WesTech EDI-FFW design minimizes the "waterfall" effect as the flow enters the clarification zone in a spiral- as opposed to a radial- flow. For additional control of density currents, WesTech incorporates a baffle in the effluent launder area. In new units, the baffle can be constructed as part of the launder.

6. Custom Spiral Rake Blades

A tapered spiral blade rake arm can increase sludge transport capacity by four to five times over conventional segmented rakes. Side-by-side tests of existing clarifiers and retrofitted mechanisms with properly designed spiral rake blades have shown that the custom tapered spiral blade is the best method of sludge transport.

7. Sludge Withdrawal

WesTech's sludge collection ring continuously removes sludge at its highest concentration- without fear of rat-holing. (U.S. Patent No. Re. 35,668). Large evenly spaced inlet ports prevent plugging and maintain even flow patterns.  It can produce a more concentrated underflow.  The sludge ring is easily adapted to existing hoppers by simply being bolted to the existing floor. While used with our sloped floor design, the WesTech Sludge Withdrawal Ring has proved equally versatile in flat floor clarifiers and retro-fits, costing a fraction of large hopper construction.

8. Scum Removal

For plants experiencing scum build-up problems, attention is immediately focused on the "top side" of the clarifier. While little attention is generally given to a scum removal system, the lack of it can cause significant effluent degradation. By installing durable sealing wipers, automatic flushing valves and custom designed skimmer blades, the COP clarifier virtually eliminates scum from the entire clarifier surface.  WesTech understands that each plant has its own unique challenges and with over 20 years of experience, we offer tailor-made solutions for your needs.

9. Effluent Launder Covers

Effluent launder covers add the finishing touch to an advanced clarifier design.  Covering the launders shields out sunlight- a necessary ingredient for algae growth. An inexpensive investment in launder covers can provide long-lasting returns in reduced maintenance and cleaning costs and a clearer effluent.

Installation and Erection Services

Occasionally, equipment modifications on the jobsite, ranging from small to complex, are more suitable for the specialized skills of the equipment manufacturer.  WesTech's installation and erection services guarantee you the technical expertise and managemant skills to keep your project on schedule without costly overruns from unexpected interruptions and increased man hours.

Models

Understanding how the individual elements of the Clarifier Optimization Package affect the entire clarification process is easy with WesTech's bench scale models.  These models simulate conditions that exist in primary and secondary clarifiers.  With each element individually adjustable, you can see the interrelated activity within the basin.  The common sense principles and design behind COP become apparent.  By calculating your conditions, with the most up to date methods available for clarifier analysis, we can present the cost-savings potential of COP for your clarificaton needs.

Testing

Understanding your particular installation is essential to optimum operation.  WesTech can provide testing guidance and analysis to determine if your plant needs improvements and where improvements and expansions should be made. We provide this service at a minimal charge to assist the owner and consulting engineer make the best decisions possible.